3) Better ride quality The Model 3’s ride has always been on the firm side, and while most drivers enjoy this (myself included), it’s not always comfortable for passengers – especially in the back seat. Basically, the existing suspension tuning can feel harsh when driving over some road imperfections. Tesla apparently fixed this on the refreshed Model 3 with new springs, dampers, and bushings, and by better isolating the front and rear subframes. So now, you can still have that sporty ride without making your passengers uncomfortable. This – together with the cushier back seats – should make a big difference for folks riding in Model 3 taxis and rideshares. I fully expect this update to carry over to the Model Y refresh – called Project Juniper – since the suspension tuning in Tesla’s popular crossover is even harsher. 4) More range With Tesla saying it’s changed 50% of the parts in the new Model 3, you’d expect some drivetrain updates, but that’s not the case. The batteries and motors remain the same. Yet the refreshed Model 3 boasts more range. How is that possible? Well, it turns out that the new exterior design isn’t just visually sleeker, it’s literally sleeker – allowing the air to flow more efficiently around the car. These aerodynamic improvements – a Cd (drag coefficient) of 0.219 (vs. 0.225 before) – result in about 11% more range, at least on paper. Officially, the new Model 3’s range is rated at 344 miles for the standard range RWD (rear wheel drive) model and 421 miles for the long-range AWD (all-wheel drive) version. Now keep in mind these are European WLTP numbers on 18-inch wheels, not US EPA numbers, and the WLTP numbers are always widely optimistic. Once the new Model 3 comes to the US, I’d expect the EPA range on 18-inch wheels to be about 300 miles for the new RWD model, and approx. 370 miles for the refreshed AWD version (vs. 272 and 333 miles, respectively, for the current Model 3). Here’s why you want to drive away 1) No more steering wheel stalks When Tesla introduced the refreshed Model S in 2021, it switched the steering wheel to a yoke and removed the steering wheel stalks (controls that sit behind the steering wheel and that you can reach with your fingers) – relocating the gear selector to the touchscreen, and mounting capacitive buttons on the yoke to activate the indicators, high beams, and windshield spray. Needless to say, this change was extremely controversial, and while some people like the yoke, I’m not a fan. Clearly, I’m not alone. Earlier this year, Tesla replaced the yoke with a steering wheel, made the yoke optional, and sold the new steering wheel as a retrofit for existing Model S owners. Still, none of this brought the stalks back. Fortunately, the new Model 3 comes with a steering wheel, but sadly it lacks the stalks. On the plus side, Tesla’s apparently improved the haptic feedback on the capacitive buttons, so there’s that. While this is a bummer, I’m pretty sure it won't be long before stalks become available as third-party accessories, just like buttons and knobs already are. An image of the new Model 3 from the Tesla configurator (Image credit: Tesla)